Media coverage of orienteering is at an all-time high, with the hard work put in by clubs and the ONSW team bearing fruit. Local newspaper coverage has seen over 18 items already published this year, with more in the pipeline as Uringa and IKO club members line up for their photo shoot in early October advertising the Southern Sydney Series. It's not just about reporting on events. Upcoming events are being listed on on-line running and adventure racing communities such as Cool Running, Eventlist, AdventureRace, and KMSEvents.
Ian Jessup, Marketing manager for ONSW and principally responsible for supporting our media contacts, is really pleased with coverage of the sport by local newspapers and radio stations.
‘There was a great article on Tim Cox in The Australian which really highlighted the strengths of the sport, and how it is both physically dynamic and mentally challenging. It is a real difficulty to present our sport in soundbites, as it provides so many different things to so many people. There is the wide age range we cater for, the different levels of physical fitness of those who can participate, and even the difference between the urban vs bush orienteering element to describe. It is no wonder that the general public have widely differing views of our sport, but with all this media coverage the main messages I think are really getting out there are how much fun it is, and how accessible it can be. Most media outlets I deal with are taken aback by the range in ages, particularly, of our orienteers - but also the fact we cater for different abilities and the fact you go at your own pace. Not many sports can boast that kind of inclusivity."
So if you missed the articles or the radio broadcasts, where can you get access to them now? YOu can read about the recent NSW Championships profiled in the Western Advocate (Bathurst) here and the Sydney Northern Regional Schools Champs which covered in the North Shore Times here. A full listing is kept on the website at www.onsw.asn.au/index.php/media-coverage.
If you come across any coverage in your area please let Ian know and we can add the material to the mounting pile of good things said about our sport. And if your club is seeking ways to broaden its publicity, Ian is here as your ONSW employee to help. Contact him on
